Energy and Climate Policy Specialist

Date Posted: 8/13/2019
Department: Programs
Type of Employment: Full-Time

Position Title:  Energy and Climate Policy Specialist
Position Information: Permanent, Full-Time, Salaried, Exempt
Reports To: Energy Program Director
Location: Des Moines, Iowa

ABOUT IEC

The Iowa Environmental Council is a 501(c)3 nonprofit environmental law and policy organization that educates, advocates, and builds coalitions to make Iowa a better place to live, work and explore. We provide a highly collaborative, supportive, and flexible work environment.

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY:

The Energy and Climate Policy Specialist works collaboratively with the Energy Program Director and other Council staff  to increase the depth of policy expertise and impact of IEC’s Energy Program, as well as use science-based research to develop innovative, creative policy options that support adoption of regulations and laws that lead to a future of 100 percent renewable energy. 

The Energy and Climate Policy Specialist will use his or her discretion in identifying and executing key activities, including independent policy research, analysis, and development of white papers, testimony, and other technical and persuasive communications; advocacy and coalition-building as part of a government and public relations strategy; identifying and cultivating appropriate partners who will help IEC engage with policymakers and the media; performing work independently in keeping with the positions of the IEC energy program while ensuring alignment with IEC’s organizational messaging.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

• Coordinate multi-faceted energy and climate policy projects to advance progress toward a 100 percent clean energy system for Iowa.
• Nurture relationships with other nonprofits, private sector businesses, and public sector entities across the state to enhance IEC’s advocacy base and build on the organization’s coalition of clean energy advocates.
• Represent IEC at external meetings with public/private/nonprofit sector stakeholders and media and present research findings and policy proposals to outside groups.
• Work independently to plan and carry out research projects, develop policy positions, and write and provide editorial support for research publications, testimony, communications/outreach materials including internal/external talking points, educational handouts, blogs, social media posts, newsletters, etc.
• Assist with website updates, including developing/writing, reviewing and editing content, and ensuring content is up-to-date.
• Conduct research, writing, analysis, and outreach on specific policies, issues, etc. that he/she decides will be most effective in engaging policymakers, the public, and the media.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

• Education and experience equivalent to 7+ years in any of the following:  policy analysis, communications, public relations, government relations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to effectively prioritize and thoughtfully manage multiple projects.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively. 
• Willingness and ability to travel and meet independently with people and organizations and attend meetings statewide; must have valid driver’s license.
• Experience working with different communication styles.
• Willingness to reach out and build relationships with new partners.
• A passion for IEC’s mission.

Desirable:

• Experience with energy and environmental policy analysis, state and federal regulatory processes and proceedings, coordination of stakeholder processes, government and public relations, and energy issues impacting underserved communities.
• Knowledge of Iowa’s socioeconomic/political landscape and Iowa’s energy sector and climate issues.

Compensation:  $58,000 per year plus competitive benefits package

TO APPLY

Please send a cover letter and resume to Kitty Jacobson at jacobson@iaenvironment.org. Applications for this position are due by Friday, October 11, 2019.